About Katla

Katla UNESCO Global Geopark is named by one of Iceland´s most dangerous volcanoes, Katla, which lies under the glacier Mýrdalsjökull. The geopark is 9,542 km2 (~3,684 miles squared) or around 9,3 % of the total area of Iceland with a population around 3400.

Katla Geopark is Iceland's first geopark and it opens up a natural wonderland to the visitor. A top priority of the park is to protect the natural environment, promote local sustainable development, introduce local culture and place a strong emphasis on nature tourism.

But Katla Geopark is in every sense the land of ice and fire, with its towering glaciers and active volcanoes. These forces have been shaping the land for many thousands of years and the nearest examples of that are the powerful eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and Grímsvötn 2011. But there are also more amazing landscapes in the area - mountains, lakes, black sandy beaches, green pastures and meadows, powerful glacial rivers, beautiful waterfalls and vast lava fields.

This versatile landscape makes various activities and adventures possible in the area, for example ice climbing and glacier walking, hiking, caving, horse-riding, sight seeing, angling, Jeep safaris and golf. Then there is also possibilities to enjoy the areas local culture by visiting its interesting museums and exhibitions and then relax in one of the areas swimming pools after a busy day.

Katla Geopark is accessible all year round, and each season has its own magical charm in this spectacular natural paradise.